Harvard's scoring trio of Johnston, Laurie Uustal, and Jen Minkus will have to penetrate a defense that has allowed only four goals in 10 games.

Massachusetts goalie Briana Scurry has an unbelievable 0.22 goals-against average and has shut out opponents an amazing seven times.

In front of her, Scurry has out standing defenders Paula Wilkins and Holly Helmuth.

"The strength of this team really lies in their backfield," Wheaton said.

Wilkins and Helmuth not only anchor the defense, but spark the offense, as well.

Helmuth leads the team with seven goals, while Wilkins has six assists.

The burden of the offense, however, is entrusted to center forward Kim Eynard, who leads the team with 27 shots and has four goals.

Eynard, however, is not the kind of speedy forward that has troubled the Crimson in the past. Rather, Eynard relies on skill and finesse to generate offense.

This is good news for Crimson sweeper Erin Matias, who excels in shutting down such players.

A key to the game should be the play of the midfielders, traditionally a Crimson strength.

The Crimson needs to establish control over the center of the field.

Only then can the Crimson apply the pressure they will need to score on the Minutewomen's "steel curtain" defense.

"This game matches strength against strength," Wheaton said. "We're going to have to play our hardest."